Couple Awakened By Gunfire Two Days After Moving Into Home

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man and woman who had been living in a home for only two days were jolted awake when gunfire erupted outside and bullets began striking the residence.

Fortunately, neither resident was injured.

The shooting was reported around 2:06 a.m. June 14 at a home on Barnes Lake Road, Middlesex, in northeastern Johnston County.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the couple called 911 after being awakened by multiple gunshots and realizing bullets were entering their house.

When deputies arrived, they discovered approximately 10 bullet holes in various rooms throughout the residence.

As deputies worked to determine where the shots originated, they spoke with a nearby resident, identified as 23-year-old Isaac Gaytan-Rincon of Barnes Lake Road.

According to authorities, Gaytan-Rincon admitted firing a handgun but told investigators he believed trees between the properties would prevent the bullets from striking anything.

Deputies subsequently seized two 9mm handguns and ammunition.

Investigators estimated the damage to the residence at approximately $1,500.

Gaytan-Rincon was arrested and charged with felony discharging a firearm into occupied property, misdemeanor injury to real property, and a local ordinance violation.

The homeowners escaped injury, but deputies said the incident could have had far more serious consequences given that the house was occupied when the shots were fired.